The Chargers will open Week 8 of the 2025 NFL season at home against the Vikings. Los Angeles is 4-3 on the season, but 1-3 in its last four games. They started the season 3-0.
The team has been without LT Joe Alto for the past four contests. He injured his ankle in the Week 4 loss to the Giants. On Wednesday, NFL Insider Mike Garafolo reported that Joe Alto is questionable to play in Week 8 against the Vikings. However, Alto said he plans to return after missing three games. It was a big boost for Los Angeles’ offense.
Joe Alto is expected to return to the Chargers in Week 8 on TNF
of #charger List Joe Alto as questionable for tomorrow’s matchup #Vikings. Alto, who has not played this month, said yesterday that he plans to return.
— Mike Substance (@MikeGarflohle) October 22, 2025
With the fifth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Chargers selected tackle Joe Alt from the University of Notre Dame. As a rookie, he started 16 games for Los Angeles and finished seventh in Offensive Rookie of the Year voting. Left tackle Rashawn Slater suffered a torn patella tendon during training camp. Unfortunately, he will miss the entire 2025 season. That’s why second-year pro Joe Alto started this season at LT. In Week 4 against the Giants, Joe Alto left early with an ankle injury.
Alto walked off the field but was then taken to the locker room. The 22-year-old missed the Chargers’ next three games due to injury. Los Angeles went 1-2 in those contests. It’s a short week for the Chargers as they play TNF vs. the Vikings. Despite the team restricting Alto to the presumed injury report, he is scheduled to play against Minnesota.
from @GMFB: Important injury updates #Vikings–#charger A TNF game that focuses on big offensive linemen. pic.twitter.com/RSAgqbkr1Z
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 23, 2025
The return of Joe Alto on Thursday night would be a huge boost for Los Angeles’ offense. In two of the three games without Alto, the Chargers have struggled to run the ball. Justin Herbet led the team with 31 rushing yards in the Week 7 loss to the Colts. The Chargers’ run game should improve once Joe Alt returns in Week 8.
Additionally, RT Trey Pipkins could return from a knee injury in Week 8. He has missed the last two games in Los Angeles. Pipkins started the first five games of the season for the Chargers. He will start at RT in 2025 as the team needed Joe Alto at LT. Trey Pipkins is in his seventh year as a pro. They all belong to the Los Angeles Chargers. It’s doubtful he’ll play in TNF vs. the Vikings. Unless there is a setback, LT Joe Alto is expected to return.
